Troubled Russian Gay Club to Reopen in New Location

The owners of a popular gay nightclub in Moscow, Russia, announced this week they will reopen the venue in a new location after closing in March due to a series of attacks on patrons and the establishment, Gay Star News reports.

The owners of Central Station, one of the biggest gay nightclubs in Moscow, was hit hard buy a number of alleged anti-gay attacks late last year. According to reports, two men opened fire outside the club in November after being turned down at the door. Though no one was hurt, the bullets damaged the front door. Not long after that, unknown attackers sprayed harmful gas inside the club, which contained about 500 people. Central Station’s staff instantly turned on a smoke removal machine, which removed the poison in minutes. The club came under attack once again in December when a mob of more than 100 people removed Central Station’s roof from inside the club’s attic.

Earlier this year, fearing his safety, the former owner of the club, Arkady Gyngazov, sought asylum in the U.S. after the attacks. He blamed the attacks on Russian President Vladimir Putin, who called his reign a "dictatorship."

The club’s owners sent 30 complaints to the Moscow City Police, but they refused to do anything, GSN notes.

Nevertheless, Central Station announced on it’s website it will return with a statement that reads in part: "The concept of the previous Central Station is not lost and is even more clearly embodied in the new project. The Goal is to give everyone what they want."

The new venue will be located near Avtozavodskaya station and will feature a large dance floor with video screens, a lounge, karaoke and a summer terrace. There will also be food and drink served.

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